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Artists: |
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Abja: |
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Abja
Inna Red I Hour
I Grade Records
2003 |
Debut release by this
artist (also featured on Weep Not) has a distinctively rootsy blues feel to it.
Favorite Selection: War |
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Army: |
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Army
Struggler
Dub Rise Records
2003 |
A good sophomore
effort from this heartical artist from this artist from the Dub Rise Records stable.
Favorite Selection: Overtime |
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Army
Yesterday's News
Dub Rise Records
2003 |
This debut album was
remastered and re-released by Dub Rise Records.
Favorite Selection: Arise |
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Army
Yesterday's News
Glamorous Records
2000 |
Debut album of Army,
who also appears on the Eastbound CD. Yesterday's News was initially released by
Glamorous Records.
Favorite Selection: Arise |
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Army & Luciano
Calling Jah Army
Dub Rise Records
2003 |
CD single featuring
Army in combination with Jamaican reggae sensation Luciano. |
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Bambu Station: |
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Bambu Station
One Day
Mt. Nebo Records
2003 |
Crucial release by
Jalani Horton who is also featured on Talkin Roots Vol. 1.
Favorite Selection: Humanity Bawlin' |
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Batch: |
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Batch
Keep The Faith
Sound V.I.Zion Records
2004 |
Admirable follow-up to
his debut album from this leader of the Sound V.I.Zion Records posse.
Favorite Selection: Leave Out Babylon |
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Batch
Who You Are
Sound V.I.Zion Records
2003 |
Debut release from the
founder of Sound V.I.Zion Records who also appears on the Culturellennium compilations.
Favorite Selection: Jah Guide I |
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Danny I: |
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Danny I
Jah Fury
Iyah Ites
2002 |
Initial album from
this artist who also appears on the Eastbound II and Talking Roots II albums.
Favorite Selection: Jah Fury |
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De Apostle: |
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De Apostle
Renegade Music
L.P. Records
2003 |
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De Apostle
Book Of Fire
Prophet Hill Records
2002 |
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De Apostle
Genesis
Prophet Hill Records
2000 |
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Dezarie: |
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Dezarie
Gracious Mama Africa
Afrikan Roots Lab
2003 |
Crucial album from St.
Croix's roots empress, Gracious Mama Africa is a dynamic album that is sure to become a
roots classic.
Favorite Selection: Law Fe De Outlaw |
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Dezarie
Fya
I Grade Records
2001 |
Debut album from this
outstanding vocalist, Dezarie was given the 'Best New Artist' award at the 2001 Atlanta
Reggae Awards.
Favorite Selection: Most High |
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Donny Dread: |
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Donny Dread
Set De Pace
Groundbreaking Records
2004 |
Debut album from this
chanter who also appears on the I Grade compilation "Weep Not".
Favorite Selection: Confine |
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Iba: |
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Iba
Jah Lion (Children Of The Nile)
Mt. Nebo Records
2003 |
Debut offering from
this highly talented singer who also appears on Talkin Roots Vol. I.
Favorite Selection: African Queen |
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Ikahba: |
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Ikahba
Troddin To Zion
Afrikan Roots Lab
2004 |
Strong lyrics permeate
throughout this artist's initial album of Ikahba who also lended some selections to the
Homegrown and Eastbound II albums under the name Ika Melody.
Favorite Selection: Dem Skylarkin |
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Inner Visions: |
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Inner Visions
Street Corner Musicians
Blue Bitch Music
2003 |
A second generation of
Pickerings (Akiba and Aswad) join the band for the latest Inner Visions release.
Favorite Selection: Kindred Journey |
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Inner Visions
Spiritual Dancer
Blue Bitch Music
2000 |
This album
demonstrates Inner Visions' refined and eleborate musical abilities which distinguishes
them from the St. Croix's raw roots style.
Favorite Selection: Spiritual Dancer |
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Inner Visions
Love One Another
Blue Bitch Music
1995 |
Debut album from this
premier St. John band whose members include the Pickering brothers.
Favorite Selection: Blow Down Babylon |
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Jahcob Seed: |
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Jahcob Seed
Heed Deh Call
Ground Control Records
2003 |
Strong, well-rounded
musical offering from this talented singer on his debut release.
Favorite Selection: Heed Deh Call |
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Jahman: |
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Jahman
Poverty Struggle
Splatter House Records
2000 |
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Mada Nile: |
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Mada Nile
Rise Today
Sound V.I.Zion Records
2004 |
Poignant lyrics abound
on this sistren's debut release which includes contributions from Ras Attitude and Batch.
Favorite Selection: Batta Bruise |
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Masta Chang: |
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Masta Chang
Be Yourself
JC & MC Production
2003 |
This solo effort from
this Masta Chang, who also has several selections on the I Grade compilation album
"Weep Not", has a distinctively more 'ragga' flavor to it then most st. croix
albums.
Favorite Selection: Ice, Gold and Green |
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Midnite: |
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Midnite
Ainshant Maps
Afrikan Roots Lab
2004 |
After a 2-year drought
of strictly Midnite materials, the band returns to their well established pattern of
spewing out some of the best roots music on the planet.
Favorite Selection: Knocka Fire |
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Midnite
Scheme A Things
Rastafaria
2004 |
Released
contemporaneously with Ainshant Maps, this Rastafaria release continues Midnite's
tradition of fiery lyrics laced over some outstanding roots riddims.
Favorite Selection: Bazra |
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Midnite
Intense Pressure
Rastafaria
2003 |
This dub album
establishes that Midnite is a formidable power in roots music even without any
contributions from the amazing lyrical skills of lead singer, Vaughn Benjamin.
Favorite Selection: Man Tain |
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Midnite
Seek Knowledge Before Vengeance
Afrikan Roots Lab
2002 |
Midnite takes roots
music to an entirely new level with the heartical selection of songs contained on Seek
Knowledge Before Vengeance.
Favorite Selection: Ras For A Reason |
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Midnite
Jubilees Of Zion
Afrikan Roots Lab
2001 |
The introductory
musical offering from the Afrikan Roots Lab record label, the re-release of this album is
crucial because of the 16-page lyrics booklet it contains.
Favorite Selection: One |
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Midnite
Jubilees Of Zion
Midnite Roots Music
2000 |
This album was
recorded in st. croix shortly after the band returned their after a 6-year sojourn to
Washington D.C., and is the initial recording at Midnite's Afrikan Roots Lab studio.
Favorite Selection: One |
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Midnite
Ras Mek Peace
Wildchild!
2000 |
The album that first
introduced me to the st. croix vibes, this CD was made with no mixing board, filtering,
compression, equalization, noise reduction, multitracking or overdubbing.
Favorite Selection: Lion Wears The Crown |
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Midnite
Unpolished
Rastafaria
1997 |
Initially release in
1997, this debut album was re-released by Rastafaria in 2002 and is one of my all-time
favorite roots classics.
Favorite Selection: Don't Move (Lion's Dread) |
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Midnite / I Grade: |
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Midnite I Grade
Vijan
I Grade Records
2003 |
This 3rd collaboration
between Midnite and I Grade records contains some poignant lyrics weaved over some crucial
soundtracks.
Favorite Selection: Structa |
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Midnite I Grade
Assini
I Grade Records
2002 |
Midnite and I Grade
records return with another excellent collaboration that is a little harder-hitting
rhythmically than most Midnite releases.
Favorite Selection: Ises |
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Midnite I Grade
Nemozian Rasta
I Grade Records
2001 |
Vaughn Benjamin is so
lyrically prolific that he uses I Grade and Branch I as avenues to let keep the people
feed. This debut collaboration also includes several selections by Dezarie.
Favorite Selection: Bless |
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Midnite Branch I: |
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Midnite / Ras L.
Full Cup
Natural Vibes
2004 |
This 17-track album is
a collaboration between Vaughn 'Midnite' Benjamin and Ras L.
Favorite Selection: Worthy Deeds |
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Midnite Branch I
Project III
Natural Vibes
2003 |
Released in late 2003,
this 15-track Branch I project is the initial release by Natural Vibes, based out of
Massachusetts.
Favorite Selection: Permit Zion |
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Midnite Branch I
He Is Jah
Rastafaria
2003 |
This Branch I project
exposes the ability of Vaughn Benjamin to ride a wide variety of rhythms and still have a
distinctively roots feel to it.
Favorite Selection: Bombs Away |
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Midnite Branch I
Geoman
I Grade Records
2003 |
The first Branch I
album to be released by I Grade Records, Geoman contains 15 tracks that are sure to move
anyone that is open to the possibilities that this album offers.
Favorite Selection: Jah In Dem (w/ Dread Ites & Pressure) |
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Midnite Branch I
The Cipheraw
Rastafaria
2002 |
This Rastafaria
musical offering is a remastered version of The Cipheraw that was originally released by
Glamorous Records.
Favorite Selection: Check Yu Self |
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Midnite Branch I
The Cipheraw
Glamorous Records
2002 |
This is the works of
Midnite's Vaughn Benjamin and Phillip Merchant, to which Eddie Russell III adds trumpets
trumpets to create an album that has a roots/jazz flavour to it.
Favorite Selection: Check Yu Self |
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Mystical Youths: |
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Mystical Youths
Hard Life
Iyah Ites Productions
2004 |
Debut album from this
group who first surfaced with an excellent composition on the Eastbound II album.
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Ras Attitude: |
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Ras Attitude
Love Life
Sound V.I.Zion
2004 |
Ras Attitude returns
with a hard-hitting album filled with consciousness.
Favorite Selection: War To Win |
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Ras Attitude
Happiness
Sound V.I.Zion
2000 |
Initial release of Ras
Attitude and Sound V.I.Zion, this album has something to offer for everyone.
Favorite Selection: Jah Trees |
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Ron Benjamin: |
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Ron Benjamin
Second Chance
Afrikan Roots Lab
2002 |
The father of
Midnite's Ron & Vaughn Benjamin links up with his sons for this multi-generational
release.
Favorite Selection: It Ain't Easy |
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Ron Benjamin
Life Is Like A Maze
Sunburst Productions
1997 |
Ron Benjamin returns
with another collection of primarily love songs inna reggae style.
Favorite Selection: Who Am I? |
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Ron Benjamin
Early Sounds Of
Black Panther Productions
1988 |
This album consists of
reggae and soca love songs that were recorded by Ron Benjamin (father of Ron & Vaughn
Benjamin) between 1980 and 1988. |
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Sabbattical Ahdah: |
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Sabbattical Ahdah
Heart Ah Joy
SPM Records
2003 |
Digitally remastered
re-release of this crucial album.
Favorite Selection: Bless King Negus |
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Sabbattical Ahdah
Heart Ah Joy
Iyah Ites
2001 |
Debut album from this
heartical artist who also appears on the Eastbound albums.
Favorite Selection: Bless King Negus |
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Sistah Joyce: |
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Sistah Joyce
H.I.P.O.C.R.I.C.Y
SPM Records
2004 |
The debut album from
this roots daughter with the hard-hitting lyrics.
Favorite Selection: Remembah |
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Sistah Joyce
H.I.P.O.C.R.I.C.Y (EP)
SPM Records
2004 |
4 track EP from the
forthcoming debut album 'H.Y.P.O.C.R.I.C.Y.' on SPM Records.
Favorite Selection: Haile Africa |
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Sistah Joyce & Jamal
Gun Solution (CDS)
SPM Records
2004 |
Brand new single on
the riddim featured on Wake Up Call. |
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Star Lion Family: |
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Star Lion Family
From The Heart
Black Juice Records
2002 |
Debut album from this
multitalented vocal group hailing from the island of St. Thomas.
Favorite Selection: His Foundation |
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Star Lion Family
Brighter Days (EP)
Star Lion Family
2003 |
3 track EP from this
St. Thomas band.
Favorite Selection: Mama Love |
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The Great Abu: |
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The Great Abu
With Tears
SPM Records
2004 |
Initial release from
this artist whose voice is remarkably similar to the Gladiator's Clinton Fearon.
Favorite Selection: It's a Cry |
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Umojah: |
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Umojah
Sounds Of The Innocent
Umojah Productions
2002 |
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Various Artists: |
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Various Artists
Wake Up Call
SPM Records
2003 |
This initial musical
offering from SPM Records includes lots of great st. croix artists such as Nyingro,
Issachar, Bobo Ites and Sabbattical Ahdah.
Favorite Selection: Nyingro - Under A Spell |
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Various Artists
Weep Not
I Grade Records
2002 |
Crucial compilation
that includes Midnite, Dezarie and a slew of other gifted artists.
Favorite Selection: Dezarie - Hosanna Jah |
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Various Artists
Talkin Roots Vol. I
Mt. Nebo Records
2002 |
One of my favorite
all-time compilations, this album contains some serious selections on it.
Favorite Selection: Dezarie - Woe! |
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Various Artists
Culturellennium II
Sound V.I.Zion Records
2001 |
Sound V.I.Zion returns
with another set that includes Vaughn Benjamin, Dezarie, Batch, Ras Attitude and much
more.
Favorite Selection: Midnite - Excellency |
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Various Artists
Culturellennium
Sound V.I.Zion Records
2000 |
A rough compilation
that includes Batch, Ras Attitude, Vaughn Benjamin, De Apostle, Prento Kidd and more.
Favorite Selection: Midnite - Love Bredren |
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Various Artists
Homegrown Vol. I
Glamorous Records
2001 |
Compilation that
showcases lots of new artists such as De Apostle, Army, Ika Melody (Ikahba), Eno and
others.
Favorite Selection: Ika Melody - Politricktion |
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Various Artists
Eastbound II
Iyah Ites
2001 |
Nearly impossible to
find, this follow-up album contains several tracks from Sabbattical Ahdah, Bobo Ites and
Danny I.
Favorite Selection: Mystical Youths - Rasta School |
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Various Artists
Eastbound
Iyah Ites
2000 |
Without a doubt the
most crucial compilation of music from st. croix that includes tracks from Midnite, Army,
Sabbattical Ahdah and Cripleton.
Favorite Selection: Midnite - Roll Call |
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Various Artists
The Life (EP)
Sound V.I.Zion Records
2003 |
4 track EP with
selections from Ras Attitude, Batch, Mada Nile and Ambassada.
Favorite Selection: Mada Nile - Another Day |
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